Grand Avenue Residents Respond to Apparent Existential Threat at Town Planning Commission Meeting

To what extent does one leave a path well-traveled to assist another in navigating theirs? Questions of zoning and neighborhood integrity came into focus at the February 18 meeting of the Town Planning Commission, as residents of Grand Avenue and adjacent streets addressed the commission regarding the proposed rezoning of two vacant lots in the vicinity of the curve where Cherry becomes Grand, arguing on multiple points why this rezoning to facilitate duplexes would not be ideal.

The Town Planning Commission meets on February 18 for a regular meeting. Royal Examiner Photo Credits: Brenden McHugh.

Bound to a tradition of single-family dwellings under an R-1 designation, known for low density, these residents did not speak elliptically. They perceive this proposal as a direct affront to their way of life. It would reclassify those lots as R-3, known for higher-density development. The duplexes to be built there, they assert, would disrupt the pattern of their lives. Historic character and a peaceful environment are values that could be sacrificed.

Deputy Zoning Administrator John Ware sits prepared to present the business items for the evening’s public hearings to the commission.

Applicant Dana Cline spoke prior to the opening of the public hearing for this item, asserting his desire to meet an available housing need, delineating a plan he believes would not depart from the character of the neighborhood, and stating that he has no desire to be a bad neighbor. After the public hearing, he made no rebuttal. Residents held that there are preexisting R-3 zones that could accommodate this type of development and that an Internet search will reveal significant available housing. For Grand residents, their homes were bought with the intention of growing old in them. These homes are investments to be cultivated and, in the testimony of one citizen, possibly left to the family after death.

Applicant Dana Cline speaks in favor of his request for a rezoning on Grand Avenue.

Staff recommended approval, at least in part, because the rezoning is in harmony with the comprehensive plan and the attendant future land use map. One resident emphasized that this document and its accompanying materials are intended to provide guidance without necessarily constituting a categorical imperative. Nevertheless, the pressure is on citizens to fully engage in the comprehensive plan review as staff and commission begin reviewing it later this year and into the next. There will be relevant public hearings that give all citizens the opportunity to voice their own visions for the town.

Among approximately twelve other Grand Avenue and adjacent residents who attended the meeting, Nancy Lee speaks against the proposed rezoning.

Despite the staff recommendation, the commissioners voted unanimously to recommend denial of the Grand rezoning to the council. Commissioner Allen Neel provided a rationale, asserting that while the comprehensive plan may be a big picture strategy, what is appropriate for smaller units may vary. Although a provisional win for those concerned on Grand Avenue, the proof will ultimately come when this item is considered and voted upon by the Town Council.

This item came amid a short-term rental application, a request to raise the maximum height for retaining wall construction, and the approval of a proposed ordinance for auxiliary dwelling units. Election of officers was in order, during which Allen Neel became the chairman and Megan Marrazzo, absent due to illness, became the vice chairman. After the planning director’s report, the meeting was adjourned.

Click here to watch the Front Royal Town Planning Commission Meeting of February 18, 2026.